Community Forums

Butte64 · 07-30-2012, 07:55 PM

OK, dumb question maybe from a newbie.

The DPs I have seen have a switch for the exhaust brake.

Why turn it off? Or should I say, under what conditions turn it off; why not leave it on all the time to ensure better braking?

Does it put any extra load on components or???

Jerry

Mr_D · 07-30-2012, 08:09 PM

Slippery conditions like rain or snow/ice. Although here in WA if I turned it off everytime the pavement was wet I'd hardly ever use it!

J Walker · 07-30-2012, 08:27 PM

You waste momentum when you just want to coast with your foot off of the accelerator. I have gotten good at anticipating when I need the exhaust brake and hitting the switch. For emergency stops the exhaust brake is not needed. You can go one step further and install a Brake Switch which activates the exhaust brake when you apply the service brake, not when you take your foot off of the accelerator.

KIX · 07-30-2012, 08:34 PM

Exhaust brake should be off when using cruise control. If left on it will engage when coasting the downhill side of an interstate bridge for example

Mr_D · 07-30-2012, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KIX

Exhaust brake should be off when using cruise control. If left on it will engage when coasting the downhill side of an interstate bridge for example

That will depend on how your rig is wired and whether the driver wants it on or not. Our cruise control works even with the e-brake engaged and activated. Works great on the freeways under most conditions although sometimes coasting works better. Then I just flip the switch to "Off" and keep going. It's not a big thing to flip the switch.

KIX · 07-30-2012, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

That will depend on how your rig is wired and whether the driver wants it on or not.

Well, of course it would.

BobGed · 07-30-2012, 09:12 PM

One of the best mods I've installed in my coach was the Brake Switch Brakeswitch, A better way to manage your diesel exhaust brake The exhaust switch in left in the on position, however the exhaust brake is only activated when I step on the service brake, and is deactivated when I tap the accelerator. When I lived in northern Idaho I would occasionally get caught in some snow and or ice conditions, in which case I just turn the switch off.

I've have heard that some Cummins owners have been able to get them to make a program change that essentially does the same thing, but I asked at three different locations, and they claimed ignorance.

H. Miller · 07-31-2012, 05:13 AM

Jerry,
Why don't you give us a hint as to what MH you own? Possibly in your signature?
Many Monaco products will not allow the cruise control to operate at all if the engine brake is engaged.

Butte64 · 07-31-2012, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H. Miller

Jerry,
Why don't you give us a hint as to what MH you own? Possibly in your signature?
Many Monaco products will not allow the cruise control to operate at all if the engine brake is engaged.

Thanks for all the answers that clarify the situation and your question.

I am so new I do not own a MH. I have looked at a few Thor and Fleetwood products but did not get the clarity of answers as received here.

Clayobx · 07-31-2012, 07:05 AM

We only us it when in congested traffic and hill or mountain descent. Put your Allison in Economy mode and try coasting to improve mpg. I read an article that suggested the "E" mode all the time even hill climbing! Tried it for the last two months saw an improvement even pulling Forg Edge toad.

MSHappyCampers · 07-31-2012, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobGed

One of the best mods I've installed in my coach was the Brake Switch Brakeswitch, A better way to manage your diesel exhaust brake The exhaust switch in left in the on position, however the exhaust brake is only activated when I step on the service brake, and is deactivated when I tap the accelerator. When I lived in northern Idaho I would occasionally get caught in some snow and or ice conditions, in which case I just turn the switch off.

I've have heard that some Cummins owners have been able to get them to make a program change that essentially does the same thing, but I asked at three different locations, and they claimed ignorance.

Bob, I'm a little confused here! I thought the main advantage of an exhaust brake was to keep from wearing out or overheating the regular brakes. If the regular brakes have to be on for the exhaust brake to work it would seem to defeat it's purpose. Is it that you just momentarily press and release the brake pedal to engage the exhaust brake? That would make more sense to me.

1ciderdog · 07-31-2012, 10:09 AM

Joe
I installed the exhaust brake switch mentioned above on my RV. You don't use the brakes with the switch. You tap or briefly push the brake pedal and the exhaust brake is activated as it normally works. To me the benefit is the ability coast without the exhaust brake activating but it you want/need it activated you "touch" the brake - you don't have to look for or find the dash switch to engage the brake. As soon as you don't need the exhaust brake you give the engine a little fuel and the brake disengages. It works real well in the mountain areas where I live.

Khix · 08-08-2012, 06:45 AM

Anyone care to explain the difference between the low and high positions on the exhaust brake switch? We have a 2008 Fleetwood Revolution and I've yet to get a good explanation as to the difference between the 2 postions.

Thanks,

Kenny Hix
2008 Fleetwood Revolution
SW Louisiana